Valentine’s Day Brews: 4 Perfect Beer Pairings in Portland, Maine
As February ushers in the season of love, our latest 4 Pack Pick at the Portland Beer Hub offers the perfect selection for your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Nestled in the heart of the Old Port, their intimate space is ideal for drinks before a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in the Old Port or selecting that perfect beer to compliment appetizers and a homecooked meal with your Galentines.
Bissell Brothers – Koan Kellerbier
Pair with Savory Grilled Meat and Hearty Vegetables
Photo: Broken Arrow : Smashed Potatos
Indulge in a classic steakhouse experience with the Bissell Brothers Koan Kellerbier. This German-style lager is the perfect match for a juicy steak. Its balanced malt profile and subtle hop bitterness complement the rich, savory flavors of grilled meat.
Rosemont Market, with locations across Portland, offers an excellent butcher counter featuring local, consciously raised meats and fish. Complement your meal with appetizers, sides, and even dessert shopping their selection of gourmet products, baked goods, and prepared foods.
The Kellerbier’s smooth, clean finish complements roasted vegetables and hearty potato dishes exceptionally well, highlighting their earthy and caramelized flavors. For an evening of sultry shareables, consider Broken Arrow. It’s the perfect spot for dates with varying dietary preferences. Their comfort-food tapas menu boasts savory delights like mushrooms, smashed potatoes, beef stew, and smoked chicken, offering something delectable for every palate.
Definitive Brewing Company – Citrus Raindrops (On Draft)
Pair with the light and crisp flavors of fresh caught Seafood
Photo: The Shop : A dressed oyster
For the perfect seafood pairing, choose the vibrant Definitive Citrus Raindrops. This session sour, bursting with citrus zest, beautifully enhances the delicate flavors of seafood dishes such as lobster, scallops, clams, and shrimp. For a meal featuring top-quality, locally sourced seafood, take a short stroll to Portland’s wharf and visit Harbor Fish Market. A historic and picturesque fixture since the 1800s, located on Custom House Wharf, it’s a true working fish market renowned for its exceptionally fresh seafood.
The beer’s tangy notes beautifully offset the subtle brininess of oysters, creating a delightful contrast. The Shop by Island Creek Oysters, a Raw Bar & Shellfish Market on Washington Ave, offers a curated selection of Maine’s finest oysters. Citrus Raindrops, and other citrus forward beers, enhance the oysters’ natural taste, bringing out the refreshing and balanced profile of the beer. Whether you choose to have The Shop shuck them for you to enjoy on-site, or take them home for a more intimate setting.
The Portland Zoo – Don’t Feed the Animals
Pair with spicy and smokey flavors found in BBQ and Tex-Mex
Photo: Terlingua Restaurant & Market
Get ready for a burst of flavor with the Portland Zoo Don’t Feed the Animals IPA. This 7.8% IPA, a tropical haze filled with Cryo Azacca, Cryo Simcoe, and Citra hops, is an ideal partner for spicy and smoky and Tex-Mex cuisine. Its bold hop profile and fruity undertones enhance the flavors of barbecued meats and spicy dishes, such as smoked brisket or chipotle-flavored tacos.
For a fun-filled Galentine’s Day or a gathering with all your single friends, Terlingua Restaurant and Market is your go-to spot. They boast a wide array of whole cuts of smoked meats, including pork shoulder, whole chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork belly. In addition, their rotating selection of prepared meals, such as enchiladas and red & green chilis, alongside house-made tortilla chips and other dry goods, offer plenty of delicious options.
For a more laid-back evening at home, whether it’s with a date, a friend, or your pet, the vibrant character of Don’t Feed The Animals IPA beautifully enhances the spices and smokiness of Thai cuisine. So, set the mood—be it with TV trays for a casual vibe or candles for a touch of elegance—and enjoy takeout from Boda. Their extensive tapas menu includes numerous vegetarian options and classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, perfect for a night focused on savoring both flavor and quality time.
Banded Brewing Company – Jolly Woodsman Coffee Stout
Pair with chocolate and other decadent desserts
Photo: Gross Confection : Dark Chocolate & Caramel Torte : April 2023
End your evening on a sweet note with Banded Brewing Co.’s Jolly Woodsman Coffee Stout. This luxurious stout, infused with Speckled Ax coffee beans, is a dream companion for chocolate and dessert lovers. Its rich coffee flavor and velvety texture pair splendidly with gourmet chocolates, enhancing the depth and sweetness.
Pair the robust and indulgent Jolly Woodsman with the luxurious desserts at Gross Confection Bar. Tucked away at the top of Exchange Street, this intimate dessert bar serves up heavenly treats that are a delight whether you choose to savor them in their cozy setting or enjoy them at home.
For those who prefer a traditional Valentine’s Day treat, Chocolat’s Passion in the West End is your ideal destination. Here, you’ll find a stunning selection of Fair Trade chocolates, French confections, caramels, and marzipan. Their bold and exquisite offerings are perfect for complementing the rich notes of the coffee stout.
Looking to learn more about these and other great tasting Portland, Maine beers? The Maine Brews Cruise offers a variety of bus and walking tours at Portland’s finest breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more. Join us to taste the many flavors and styles, learn about the brewing process, and see behind the scenes.
Share how you paired these tasty beers this Valentine’s Day by tagging us on social media – @MaineBrewsCruise
About Zach’s Monthly Four-Pack Pick Blog:
Each month, Zach Poole, the owner of Maine Brews Cruise, selects a unique four-pack from the extensive beer collection at the Portland Beer Hub. His monthly picks provide an opportunity to explore new beers and experiences in Portland, Maine. You might even catch Zach himself behind the bar occasionally. Make sure to stop by, discover the latest selections, chat about beer recommendations, and savor these new flavors both at the bar and in the comfort of your own home.
